The Features

A psychedelic rock group known as the Features crafts distinctive, unconventional pop songs reminiscent of a direct clash involving Ray Davies and Elvis Costello, subsequently reassembled by the Elephant 6 Collective within the American South. Sparta, Tennessee, a small and obscure locale, served as the birthplace for this ensemble consisting of guitarist and vocalist Matt Pelham, bassist Roger Dabbs, keyboardist Parrish Yaw, and drummer Rollum Haas, who initiated their performances of eccentric yet infectious pop centered on Pelham's vivid personal reflections. In 1997, their initial self-titled EP emerged, emphasizing dense keyboard arrangements alongside a novel take on refreshed new wave aesthetics. Following this came the 2003 U.K. issuance on Fierce Panda of The Beginning EP, a pop album in the classical style that matched the Shins in its verdant, sunlit quality while echoing the Jam through its incisive and investigative approach; Universal issued a version with minor track variations in the United States during March 2004. Although additional U.K. 7" singles failed to receive domestic American distribution, The Beginning reached American audiences in March 2004. Universal put out Exhibit A, the band's first full-length album, in September 2004.